TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm
Potomac, Maryland
Home of the Cognizant Classic on the PGA Tour, TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm offers championship golf in the affluent Potomac corridor. The parkland layout along the Potomac River features well-defended greens, strategic water hazards, and tour-caliber conditioning.
History & Heritage
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, originally known as TPC Avenel, opened in 1986 on 220 acres of rolling wooded countryside in Montgomery County, Maryland. The course was designed by Edmund Ault and Tom Clark, with PGA Tour player Ed Sneed serving as the player consultant. It was built specifically to host PGA Tour events and quickly became the home of the Kemper Open, later known as the Booz Allen Classic.
The course hosted PGA Tour events regularly from 1987 through 2006, with winners including Steve Elkington, Tiger Woods, and Stuart Appleby. In 2008, the course underwent a historic renovation under the direction of PGA Tour Design Services, with Davis Love III providing player consultation. The redesign dramatically transformed the layout, creating more strategic options and modernizing the course for contemporary tour play.
Rebranded as TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, the venue returned to the PGA Tour spotlight when it hosted the Wells Fargo Championship in 2022, won by Max Homa. The course continues to host tour events and serves as one of the premier private golf facilities in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
Signature Holes
A demanding finishing hole that plays slightly uphill to a well-defended green. This hole has produced dramatic finishes in PGA Tour events, with water guarding the approach.
A strategic par 4 with water running along the left side that demands a precise tee shot. The approach plays to a green complex that rewards accuracy over power.
A picturesque par 3 over water to an island-style green surrounded by bunkers. One of the most visually striking and nerve-testing holes on the course.
A risk-reward par 5 that offers eagle opportunities for those bold enough to carry the water on their second shot, but severely punishes mistakes.
What to Expect
TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm delivers championship-caliber golf in a beautiful parkland setting. The course features impeccable conditioning year-round, with lush fairways winding through mature hardwoods and strategic water hazards testing decision-making on multiple holes. The 2008 renovation created a modern layout that balances challenge with playability.
As a TPC facility, the service and amenities are first-class. The clubhouse overlooks the 18th green and provides an excellent setting for post-round dining. The course plays to a par of 70, making every shot count.
Playing Tips
Water comes into play on numerous holes at TPC Potomac, so course management is essential. Know your carry distances and err on the side of caution when water is in play, particularly on the par 3s and risk-reward par 5s.
The greens are fast and true, with subtle slopes that can be deceptive. Pay attention to the grain, which generally follows the drainage toward the Potomac River. The tree-lined fairways reward accuracy off the tee, so consider hitting less than driver on the tighter holes to find the fairway.
Highlights
- ✓ PGA Tour Cognizant Classic host
- ✓ Potomac River parkland setting
- ✓ Tour-caliber conditioning with public access
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the public play TPC Potomac?
What PGA Tour events has TPC Potomac hosted?
Who redesigned TPC Potomac in 2008?
Where is TPC Potomac located?
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